It’s fair to say that the last few years have seen a resurgence in the popularity of hand-made and boutique items. Perhaps it’s a willingness to be more eco-friendly in our clothing and toy choices, or a desire to stand out from the crowd with unique accessories, but the runaway success of Etsy proves that handmade is here to stay.
While the internet has been a boon for small manufacturers, there is another trend appearing – the old-fashioned market stall, where customers can experience a designer’s product up close.
We have featured two such markets – Mathilda’s Market and Magnolia Square in Droolicious over the last few weeks, and last Friday I managed to head down to Magnolia Square to meet some exhibitors and see what it’s all about.
Here are a few of my discoveries.
Kindergallery
Looking for unique art for kid’s rooms? The Kindergallery collection offers original paintings, limited edition works, prints, stretched canvases, box art and wall decals. Based in Sydney and with a second home in Berlin, Kindergallery source artwork from around the world. Prints start at about $AU65.
Maiike is a range of adorable soft toys, cushions, quilts and scarves hand made by Aly Peel. All Soft Things are made from 100% wool jumpers gleaned from second hand and vintage stores. The jumpers are felted and then cut into patterns for toys, squares for cushions, scarves, quilts, and buttons are used for the toys’ eyes and noses. Items are made to order, so contact Ally via her blog for more details.
Little nest
We’ve long been fans of Little Nest’s pint-sized versions of iconic furniture pieces, so it was very exciting to see them up close and give them a toddler test drive. The mini-e Eames lounger and the Giddy Up mini Pony chair were huge hits! Little Nest founder Samantha Firestone gave us the heads up on some community programs the company hopes to develop in the near future. Watch this space.
Cloth poppy
Leesa from Cloth Poppy scours second hand shops in country Victoria for bed linen and table cloths for her line of girlswear for ages 2-6. The collection features dresses and skirts made from recycled vintage and new fabrics, as well as adorable t-shirts (see “Love” above) and necklaces made of beads and felt.
Motley Monkeys
Kylie Jewell was having trouble finding classic, hard-wearing and sophisticated clothing for her boys – so she created her own! Motley Monkeys is an Australian boyswear clothing company which produces cotton-knit jumpers and other items for kids aged 2-8. View the collection at motleymonkeys.com.au.
Little Bubble and Tree
Little bubble and tree are a Victorian label specialising in fresh, bright and sun-smart clothes and accessories. Their signature embrioidered cotton kaftans are handmade by fair trade artisans and come in a range of beautiful designs, perfect for the summer months. Find out more at littlebubbleandtree.com.au.
We Heart Books
Katie and Lou, the Melbourne mums behind We Heart Books had a fantastic stall displaying, quite simply, just the most awesome kid’s books around! Think Albert Lamorisse’s The Red Balloon and Japanese artists Yoshimoto Nara’s first picture book, The Lonesome Puppy. Visit weheartbooks.com for more unique books, puzzles, games and gifts.
Magnolia Square will be at Malvern Town Hall, Melbourne, 6 — 8 August, 2009
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